LEGION REPORTS
Department Membership Summary
Post Membership Summary
Weekly Reports for March 20, 2025
Weekly Reports for March 13, 2025
The American Legion seeks entries for Fourth Estate Awards in media
INDIANAPOLIS (January 9, 2025) – The American Legion has announced its call for entries in the annual Fourth Estate Awards competition for excellence in journalism and its positive impact on society. The deadline for submissions to be received or postmarked is March 15, 2025.
The American Legion presents the awards to recognize the outstanding achievements made in print and broadcast media. Website and podcast submissions are also encouraged to compete in the print or broadcast categories. In addition to the award, the winner in each category will be presented a $2,000 stipend to cover travel and lodging expenses to The American Legion National Convention in Tampa. The presentation will occur at approximately 9 am on August 28, 2025 at the Tampa Convention Center.
An entry form with contest rules can be found at https://www.legion.org/information-center/the-fourth-estate-award. You can also contact kchrisman@legion.org for further information.
Submissions are judged on the quality of the work and the impact that it had in producing a positive result for the community. The work must have been published, posted or broadcast in 2024.
All journalists or media outlets who believe their work improved society in a tangible and way are encouraged to submit their entry. There is no entry fee and no single medium is limited to the number of entries.
Past winners include CBS News, CNN, USA Today, WFTS (Tampa) and the Military Times. The complete list can be found at www.legion.org.
Angelo “Skip” G. Felicita, Jr.
With deep sorrow, we share the passing of Past Southwestern Area Commander Angelo “Skip” G. Felicita, Jr. of North Port, Florida. Skip passed away on March 6, 2025, at the age of 72. He is survived by his wife, Rhonda Felicita, his son, Angelo Felicita III, and his daughters, Stacey Stanley and Lauren Strickland.
Details regarding services are not yet available. Updates on arrangements will be shared via email and on the Department’s website.
Skip was a U.S. Marine veteran who served during the Vietnam War Era and was a dedicated member of Rotonda West Post 113. Throughout his 26 years of continuous membership with The American Legion, he held numerous leadership positions, including Post Commander from 2017 to 2018, Post 1st Vice Commander from 2023 to 2024, Post Adjutant since 2020, 8th District Commander from 2019 to 2022, and Southwestern Area Commander from 2022 to 2023.
If you wish to extend your condolences, you may do so through his wife, Rhonda Felicita, at 6931 Willow Creek Cir. Apt. 105, North Port, FL 34287.
Please keep Skip’s family and friends in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Florida Capitol Hill Visitation (March on Tallahassee)
If you are interested in the Legislative Process and want to visit with your Legislator in Tallahassee, FL, during the Legislative Session, please plan on attending our Capitol Hill Day on April 2, 2025. This is ALSO, Military Day at the Capitol. More information to follow as details get closer.
Weekly Reports for March 6, 2025
Jeremy “Jerry” H. Brandt,
Jeremy “Jerry” H. Brandt, Former Commander of Post 62, Passes Away
It is with deep regret that we share the passing of Jeremy “Jerry” H. Brandt, former Commander of Post 62 in Stuart. Jerry passed away late last night after a long illness.
At this time, no arrangements have been made, but I will provide updates as soon as details are available so they can be shared with anyone in the Department who wishes to pay their respects.
In the meantime, those who would like to leave a message of condolence may do so on Post 62’s Facebook page: American Legion Post 62, Florida, Auxiliary, Sons & Riders.
Weekly Reports for February 27, 2025
The American Legion seeks entries for Fourth Estate Awards in media
INDIANAPOLIS (January 9, 2025) – The American Legion has announced its call for entries in the annual Fourth Estate Awards competition for excellence in journalism and its positive impact on society. The deadline for submissions to be received or postmarked is March 15, 2025.
The American Legion presents the awards to recognize the outstanding achievements made in print and broadcast media. Website and podcast submissions are also encouraged to compete in the print or broadcast categories. In addition to the award, the winner in each category will be presented a $2,000 stipend to cover travel and lodging expenses to The American Legion National Convention in Tampa. The presentation will occur at approximately 9 am on August 28, 2025 at the Tampa Convention Center.
An entry form with contest rules can be found at https://www.legion.org/information-center/the-fourth-estate-award. You can also contact kchrisman@legion.org for further information.
Submissions are judged on the quality of the work and the impact that it had in producing a positive result for the community. The work must have been published, posted or broadcast in 2024.
All journalists or media outlets who believe their work improved society in a tangible and way are encouraged to submit their entry. There is no entry fee and no single medium is limited to the number of entries.
Past winners include CBS News, CNN, USA Today, WFTS (Tampa) and the Military Times. The complete list can be found at www.legion.org.
Weekly Reports for February 20, 2025
Weekly Reports for February 13, 2025
Weekly Reports for February 6, 2025
The American Legion Expresses Condolences to Crash Victims
(INDIANAPOLIS – January 30, 2025) – American Legion National Commander James A. LaCoursiere, Jr., issued the following statement today concerning last night’s collision of a U.S. Army Blackhawk helicopter and a passenger plane attempting to land at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport:
“We don’t know the ‘why’ but the ‘what’ is a heartbreaking tragedy. The American Legion extends its deepest condolences to the families of the souls lost in last night’s horrific crash. We salute the first responders who always rise to such unenviable and difficult challenges. Like nearly all Americans, we call for a full investigation of what occurred.”
Weekly Reports for January 30, 2025
Local Philanthropists Donate 15 Mobility Scooters to Veterans in Need
Providing a decade of mobility for Florida’s Veterans
Orlando, January 30, 2025 – In an inspiring act of generosity, Jack Kump and Joan Wheeler, philanthropists from Ormond Beach, FL, are making a profound impact on the lives of 15 deserving veterans by donating mobility scooters to those unable to afford or access one through medical care. Florida is home to over 1.4 million veterans, with 32% reporting some level of disability. This donation honors their service while addressing daily mobility challenges.
For the past decade, Jack and Joan have partnered with The American Legion, Department of Florida, to identify deserving veterans and have generously donated a total of 92 life-changing scooters, including this year’s contribution. “Without the military’s influence, discipline, and Esprit de Corps, my life would have likely taken a much less productive path,” shared Jack Kump. The couple believes that every veteran deserves recognition, compassion, and support. This initiative is also a tribute to two WWII veterans who shaped their lives: Joan’s late father, Robert I. Wheeler, and Jack’s late mentor, Leonard F. Wedge.
The scooters will be presented during a special event hosted by The American Legion, Department of Florida, at its headquarters in Orlando on Thursday, January 30, 2025, at 11:00 AM. Jack and Joan will attend to personally witness their generosity in action and meet the veterans whose lives will be transformed by their donation.
Among the recipients is Nelson Perez, a U.S. Army veteran honorably discharged due to a permanent disability. Upon learning he was selected, Mr. Perez shared, “I’m so happy to be able to get the scooter. Thank you to your organization so much—you don’t know how much this means to me.” Additionally, David Miller, a Purple Heart recipient and long-time member of The American Legion, will attend the event and assist in distributing scooters to other veterans in the Tampa area.
SpinLife, a leading e-commerce retailer of medical equipment in the US for over 25 years, has praised Jack and Joan for their unwavering dedication to veterans. To celebrate this extraordinary effort, SpinLife is providing one of the 15 scooters at no cost and two representatives will make a special trip from up north to attend the event, which further underscores their commitment to supporting communities in need.
The American Legion, Department of Florida, expressed heartfelt gratitude to Jack and Joan for their compassion and kindness. “It is this type of generosity that demonstrates the deep appreciation we all owe to our veterans,” said Florida’s Department Adjutant, Bruce Comer.
Weekly Reports for January 23, 2025
Weekly Reports for January 16, 2025
Mission of Mercy Veterans Dental Event
The Florida Mission of Mercy Veterans First Initiative will provide FREE dental care to military veterans beginning on March 20,2025 at Mainland High School (1255 W. International Speedway Blvd. Daytona Beach, FL 32114). You MUST register for an appointment. Scan the QR code to register or call 800.877.9922.
What is the Florida Mission of Mercy?
Florida Mission of Mercy is a charitable dental clinic that provides free dental care to the underserved and uninsured. Patients are seen on a first-come, first served basis.
Veterans First Attendees will:
- Register for an arrival time on Thursday, March 20 to complete paperwork, X-rays and dental exam
- Return at 7 a.m. on Friday, March 21 for dental treatment
What services are provided?
- Dental exams, cleanings, fillings, extractions and some root canals
Who can receive treatment?
- Military veterans willing to wait in line who do not have medically compromising conditions can be treated.
- Photo identification, Social Security Number, insurance information or other personal identification/documentation is NOT required.
- Interpreters will be available to assist some languages, but please bring an interpreter if you do not speak English.
Sedation and narcotics are NOT available.
- If you have dental pain, please do NOT wait to seek care, as this could be a sign of a serious condition.
- If dental pain is severe and accompanied by fever or swelling, go to a hospital emergency room immediately.
- For a list of low-cost dental clinics in the state, please visit fdacares.com.
Phillip R. “Phil” Hearlson
It is with deep regret that we announce the passing of Past Department Commander Phillip R. “Phil” Hearlson of Summerfield, FL, at the age of 86 on January 10, 2025. Phil is survived by his wife, Past Department President Peggy Hearlson; son, Brian; and daughter, Karen. At this time, there are no details regarding services. Updates will be shared via email and posted on our website as they become available.
Phil was a proud U.S. Marine and a Vietnam War veteran. He joined the Marines immediately after graduating high school in 1956 and served honorably for 30 years, retiring in 1986. A devoted member of Veterans Memorial Post 347, Phil demonstrated 28 continuous years of service and commitment to The American Legion.
Throughout his years of dedication, Phil held numerous leadership roles at various levels within the organization. At the Post level, he served in every capacity, most notably as Post Commander from 2001 to 2003 and again from 2012 to 2013. At the District level, Phil served as 4th District Vice Commander from 2003 to 2004 and District Commander from 2004 to 2006. His exceptional leadership was recognized during the 2004–2005 term when he was awarded a membership ring for achieving the highest renewal percentage in the District.
At the Department level, Phil’s contributions were vast. He served as Department Sgt-at-Arms from 2006 to 2007, Northern Area Commander from 2007 to 2008, Department Vice Commander from 2008 to 2009, and Department Commander from 2009 to 2010. Phil also held several committee roles, including serving on the Department Time & Place Committee from 2002 to 2007 and again from 2010 to 2015, chairing the committee from 2010 to 2014. Additionally, he served on the Department Finance Committee from 2010 to 2015 and as Department National Security Chair from 2019 to 2022.
Phil’s influence extended to the national level, where he served on the Americanism Council from 2003 to 2013 and again from 2015 to 2017. He was a member of the Legislative Council from 2011 to 2019 and the National Security Commission from 2020 to 2022.
Phil’s unwavering commitment to The American Legion, his community, and his country will be deeply missed. His legacy of service and dedication will remain an inspiration to all who knew him.
Condolences may be sent to his wife, Peggy Hearlson, at:
14050 SE 53rd Ave.
Summerfield, FL 34491
The arrangements for Past Department Commander Phil Hearlson’s funeral are as follows:
- Date: Friday, February 7, 2025
- Location: Hiers-Baxley Funeral Home
3975 Wedgewood Lane, The Villages, FL - Viewing: 10:00 AM
- Service: 11:00 AM
- Interment: Following the service at Bushnell National Cemetery
6502 SW 102nd Ave., Bushnell, FL
Following the interment, there will be a Celebration of Life held at Veterans Memorial Post 347, 699 W. Lady Lake Blvd., Lady Lake, FL.
An obituary will be available on the Hiers-Baxley website in the coming days. Please visit: Hiers-Baxley Funeral Home